The Arapohue block (about 79 km²) was sold in the late 1850s for £350, despite a dispute between Ngā Puhi and Ngāti Whātua over claims to the land.[6] The area was heavily forested in kauri. Most of those who purchased lots in the area were absentee owners. In 1876, there were only 30 residents on the 283 holdings of the Arapohue and neighbouring Okahu and Whakahara blocks.[7] The village of Arapohue was owned by Logan Campbell until 1899.[8] The area was developed as farmland in the early 20th century.[9]